Assisted storage container

ABSTRACT

A bag with automated assistance features having, in one embodiment, an exterior surface, an actuator, and an automatic assisted opening connected to the actuator, enabling an electrically assisted opening of the bag. In other embodiments, the bag has an exterior surface, an actuator, and an automatic strap connected to the actuator, allowing the strap to automatically loosen and constrict, enabling a user to easily don and doff the bag without the need for manual strap adjustment. In many embodiments the bag further has an interconnected sensor and controller, the sensor being able to detect a user-imitated cue and, along with the controller, automatically activate actuator to adjust the strap or opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) toU.S. Provisional Application No. 63/169,786 filed Apr. 1, 2021, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to electrically-assisted flexible storagecontainers. More specifically, this invention relates to bags withmotorized assist mechanisms. In some embodiments the invention relatesto bags with automatic motorized openings, with some embodiments of theinvention having automatic motorized straps or other user interactionmechanism.

BACKGROUND

Typical bags and other human portable and flexible storage containers(e.g., backpacks), referred generically as bags, is that they contain anopening for access to the bag's interior when open and containment ofthe bag's contents when closed. Another common feature is a strap forportability. The opening is typically closed by a zipper, one or morebuckles, or other fastener mechanism on a strap (e.g., a typicalmessenger bags). These mechanisms are manual and must be physicallymanipulated by a user.

The strap on a human portable bag may be adjustable for better function.Commonly known backpacks and other bags have a strap made up of twoseparate pieces. Typically, a first piece is padded that bears theweight of the bag and transfers it to the user. A second piece isthreaded through the first piece such that the second piece's length isadjustable. One end of each the first and second pieces are permanentlyattached to the bag; each piece being attached to the bag at oppositeends. Straps on typical bags are manually adjusted. Manual adjustment ofthe strap and closure mechanism increase the time and effort needed tooperate a bag, and for some disabled individuals makes adjustmentdifficult of even potentially impossible.

A desirable solution would have a bag with assisted and automaticadjustment of at least one of the opening and the strap. An assistedopening could include a bag with a button or other mechanism easilyactivatable by a user that would cause the bag to automatically open orclose the opening. An assisted strap could include a bag with one ormore straps that automatically loosen or tighten upon activation of abutton or another user-initiated cue.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Herein is described a disclosure providing an assisted human portablebag. In some embodiments, the assisted bag has an exterior surfaceenclosing an interior, an assisted opening that automatically opens andcloses upon an action command by a user, and an actuator connected tothe assisted opening. In other embodiments, the assisted bag has atleast one assisted strap that automatically loosens and tightens upon anaction commended by a user. In still other embodiments have both anassisted opening and at least one assisted strap.

One object of the present disclosure is a bag comprising an exteriorsurface enclosing an interior, an actuator, and an assisted opening. Theassisted opening comprising a first surface, a second surface, and acar; wherein the first and second surfaces together form at least partof the exterior surface; and wherein the actuator is configured toadjust the car to create an opening between the first and the secondsurfaces. In one case, the actuator is located within the interior. Inone case, the first surface is approximately parallel to the secondsurface. In one case, the bag further comprises an activation mechanismthat is connected to the actuator; the activation mechanism beingconfigured to reversibly activate the actuator. In one case, the carreversibly adjusts the first surface away from the second surface. Inone of these cases, the first surface is configured to fold upon itselfas the car adjusts the first surface. In some cases, the car physicallymoves the first surface away from the second surface.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is method of using a bag havingthe steps of (a) providing a bag comprising an exterior surface, anactuator, an assisted opening with a first and a second surface and acar; (b) activating the actuator; (c) creating an opening between thefirst and the second surface by adjusting the first surface with theactuator and the car. In some of these methods, step (c) also adjuststhe second surface. In some methods, the bag further comprises anactivation mechanism connected to the actuator and the method furtherhas the step of (d) activating the activation mechanism. In some ofthese methods, step (d) occurs before step (b). Some methods have thesteps of (e) reversing the actuator; and (f) eliminating the opening byadjusting the first surface with the actuator and the car. In some ofthese methods, step (f) also adjusts the second surface.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a bag comprising an exteriorsurface enclosing an interior, an actuator, and a strap comprising afirst end; wherein the first end is connected to the actuator and theactuator is configured to adjust the strap. In some cases, the strapcomprises a second end connected to the exterior surface; and where theactuator is configured to adjust the first end. In some cases, the strapis configured to feed through the actuator. In some cases, the exteriorsurface has an opening, the actuator is located within the interior, andthe strap first end passes through the opening. In some cases, the bagalso has a controller that is connected to the actuator. In some ofthese cases, the controller is located in the interior. In some othercases the bag further has compartment, and the controller and actuatorare located within that compartment. In some cases, the bag also has asensor connected to the controller and the sensor is configured toproduce sensor information relating to a force placed onto the sensor.In some of these cases the force placed on the sensor is a tension orload placed directly on the strap and sensed by the sensor. In some ofthese cases, the controller is further configured to activate theactuator in response to said sensor information.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a method of adjusting abag, comprising the steps of (a) providing a bag, the bag having anexterior surface and an interior, an actuator, and a strap; the straphaving a first end connected to the actuator and a second end; and (b)adjusting the strap through the actuator in a first direction. In somemethods, the second end is connected to the exterior surface. In othermethods, the second end is connected to a second actuator. Some methodsfurther have the step of (c) adjusting the strap through the actuator ina second, reverse direction. In some of these methods, the bag also hasa sensor and a controller, the sensor is configured to produce sensorinformation relating to a load placed on the sensor and the sensor isinformationally connected to the controller; and the controller isconnected to the actuator and is configured to activate the controllerin response to the sensor information. Some of these methods also havethe steps of (d) detecting, with the sensor, a load; (e) producing andsending sensor information relating to the sensed load to thecontroller; (f) determining, with the controller, a user-initiated cuebased on the sensor information; and (g) instructing, by the controller,the actuator to activate; and wherein steps (d) through (g) occur beforestep (b). Some of the above methods also have the steps of (h)detecting, with the sensor and the controller, a second user-initiatedcue, (i) instructing, by the controller, the actuator to activate, and(j) adjusting the strap through the actuator in a second direction; andwherein steps (h) through (i) occur before step (j).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In what follows, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained inmore detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an assisted bag according to an embodiment having anassisted closure mechanism.

FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate two assisted bags according to twoembodiments having assisted straps.

FIGS. 2A-2C are three views of three positions of the car according tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are two side views of two embodiments according to thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are two views of the electronic compartment andinterconnected components according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Definitions

The term “bag” as used herein refers generically to all human portablestorage containers. The term bag may encompass, but is not limited to,two-strap backpacks, one-strap messenger bags, handbags, duffel bags,luggage, and the like.

The term “compartment” as used herein refers to a physical section of abag, having one or more surfaces that are formed, at least part, by thebag's exterior surface 112 and, in some cases, by an interior surface114. The compartment has an interior void or space that makes up atleast a portion of the bag's interior 115. Bags disclosed herein mayhave multiple compartments; some surfaces of these multiple compartmentswill make up interior surfaces 114, dividing the bag interior such thatthere are multiple voids or spaces inside the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The present disclosure describes a human portable storage container,referred herein as a bag 100 with electronic assist and a method of usethereof. One aspect of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1A,bag 100 a having an exterior surface 112 and an assisted opening 101 awhich, together, form an interior 115. The assisted opening 101 aenables automated opening and closing of bag 100 a. Assisted opening 101a has two states, an open state and a closed state, such that theinterior 115 is accessible when the assisted opening 101 a is in itsopen state, and not accessible when in its closed state. As used herein,the term “accessible” refers to the ability to access the interior fromoutside of the bag 100 without having to substantially move ormanipulate the bag.

The assisted opening 101 a in FIG. 1A has an actuator 103 connected to acar 102. The car 102 is in turn connected to at least a movable surface104 a. A second surface 104 b is typically adjacent to surface 104 a,such that no opening exists when the assisted opening 101 a is in itsclosed state. Actuator 103 causes car 102 to move and results in themovement of surface 104 a away from surface 104 b to create an openingto the interior 115.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1B,assisted bag 100 b has a strap 107 attached to bag 100 b at two ends: afirst end 108 and a second end 109. One end of strap 107 being connectedto a strap actuator 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, second end109 is connected to strap actuator 110.

The strap actuator 110 is preferably located within the bag's interior,and the strap 107 enters bag 100 b through an opening 111. Strapactuator 110 enables the adjustment of the strap 107 in response to acue or other activation by a user, enabling a proper fit of the strap107 without the need for manual strap manipulation.

Exterior surface 112

Bag 100 has an exterior surface 112 that forms the physical bag andencloses an interior 115. In most embodiments, the assisted opening 101and its surfaces 104 a and 104 b, complete the exterior surface of thebag to present a bag with no physical openings when assisted opening 101is closed. Bag 100 are further subdivided into one or more compartments113, which are formed with the exterior surface 112 and, when more thanone compartment 113 is present, interior surfaces 114.

Each surface may comprise one or more materials or pieces. If a surfacecomprises more than one piece, the pieces will most often be connectedtogether, by, for example, stitching. Conversely, a single material orpiece may make up more than one surface. Bag 100 has an interior 115formed by the exterior surface 112, in which a user can place items tobe stored in bag 100. Other elements may be located within the interior115, for example the strap actuator 110. In one embodiment, bag 100 acomprises two compartments 113, a first compartment and a secondcompartment; the two compartments being divided by an interior surface114, each compartment having an interior.

Assisted Opening 101

The present disclosure provides at least one mechanism to open and closethe bag 100 to allow for access to the interior 115, referred herein asthe assisted opening 101. Several embodiments utilizing an assistedopening 101 are demonstrated herein; typically, assisted opening 101 hasa car 102 connected to an actuator 103 and at least one surface 104. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, assisted opening 101 a includesan actuator 103 connected to a lever car 102 such that as actuator 103activates, car 102 moves away from a vertical orientation and into anangled orientation, angled away from bag face S1, car end 116 is fixedin space, and car end 118 moves up through slot 117, causing car 102 toarticulate out and away from bag face S1. Car end 118 is attached,typically through slot 117, to surface ′a (i.e., typically the topportion of slot 117 is sewn to surface 104 a) and causes surface 104 ato move away from surface 104 b after activation of the actuator 103,creating an opening to interior 115. Slot 117 is typically also attachedto slot 131 and point 132. In some embodiments car 102 has two or morearms, with a subset of arms attaching to surface 104 a and a subset ofarms attaching to surface 104 b such that when adjusted by actuator 103,surfaces 104 a and 104 b are each moved away from the other, creating anopening.

A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 1C with assisted opening 101 bhaving a car 102 b connected to an actuator 103 that engages anddisengages surfaces 104 a and 104 b. In this embodiment, surfaces 104 aand 104 b have fabric tape securing teeth of a zipper, as known in theart. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0289156 and 2018/0360167,and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,293,434, 8,870,624, and 9,089,189. Car 102 b is amodified zipper slider and pull; and car 102 b is connected to anelectric motor actuator 103 by a stiff pull lever 105. The actuator 103enables car 102 b to reversibly bring surfaces 104 a and 104 b togetherand apart, in this embodiment, by locking the zipper teeth from eachsurface together or apart. Most often, the assisted opening 101 has amechanism to initiate opening and closure of the assisted opening 101,referred herein as the activation mechanism 106, connected to either theactuator 103 or a controller 122, and described in more detail elsewhereherein.

In another embodiment, surface 104 a has two sets of rollers set in twoparallel tracks, a pulley car 102 is attached to surface 104 a and anactuator 103, which moves pulley car 102 parallel to the tracks, movingsurface 104 a away from surface 104 b, creating an opening. Preferably,surface 104 a is foldable, or otherwise pliable for storage while in itsopen state. The pulley car 102 may be indirectly connected to theactuator 103 by a cable or other connection. It is within the scope ofthe present disclosure for some embodiments to have additional assistedopenings for additional compartments 113. Typically, a bag 100 with asecond, or more, assisted openings 101, will be connected to dedicatedactuators. However, some less preferred embodiments, may have two ormore assisted openings connected to a single actuator 103.

Actuator 103. The present disclosure provides for a solution to providemotive force, referred herein as the actuator 103. Actuator 103 moves orotherwise adjusts car 102 and therefore the assisted opening 101.Actuator 103 enables physical movement by converting energy into amechanical force. The actuator 103 may be any suitable solution as knownin the art. In the currently preferred embodiment, the actuator 103 is asmall, electronic servo motor. In another embodiment, the actuator 103is a worm gear actuator. In the currently preferred embodiment, theactuator 103 is located in the interior of bag 100. In some embodiments,actuator 103 in located within the interior 115. In other embodiments,actuator 103 is located within an electronics compartment 119, whichtypically has a significantly smaller volume than the other element'sinterior volumes, and contains other electronics components, includingan interconnected power source 120, charger 121, and controller 122. Instill other embodiments the actuator 103 is located on the bag'sexterior surface.

Activation Mechanism 106. The activation mechanism 106 of the presentdisclosure provides for a mechanism to initiate or otherwise activatethe assisted opening 101. The activation mechanism 106 responds to a cuefrom a user to activate the assisted opening 101. The activationmechanism 106 is typically connected to either the actuator 103, thecontroller 122 or both. The activation mechanism 106 may be any suitablemeans as known in the art and may vary depending on the embodiment. Inone preferred embodiment, activation mechanism 106 is a button on theexterior surface of bag 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. In thisillustration, the activation mechanism 106 is connected to controller122 (solid black line) and the actuator 103 (dashed line). In additionalembodiments, activation mechanism 106 is a switch, a pull cord switch,or a knob. In embodiments with a controller 122, activation mechanism106 is most often connected to the controller 122.

In still other embodiments, activation mechanism 106 is furtherconnected to the controller 122 a sensor 125. Together the sensor 125and activation mechanism 106 activate the assisted opening 101 byresponding to a user cue (i.e., user supplied signal). User providedcues and signals are discussed in more detail in the Method of Usesection below herein.

Assisted Strap 107

The present disclosure provides for at least one assisted strap 107 suchthat a user may comfortably wear bag 100 b without needing to adjust theone or more straps. Many embodiments may have more than one assistedstrap 107, one such bag 100 b comprising two straps is illustrated inFIG. 1B. However, for simplicity, straps 107 will be initially describedherein in the singular.

Strap 107 attaches to bag 100 at one or more ends. In an embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1C, strap 107 b attaches at only end 108 b to strapactuator 110 (located in the bag's interior and not pictured in FIG.1C), while end 109 b is not attached to bag 100, instead is attached tohandle 133.

Strap 107 may have one or more sections. As illustrated in FIG. 1B,strap 107 has sections 123 and 124. Each section typically attaches toan object, for example, bag 100, a strap actuator 110, or a handle 133.It is within the scope of the present disclosure for both ends of strap107 or both sections 123 and 124 to attach to different strap actuators110. In one embodiment, section 123 is attached to bag 100 b at itsfirst end 108. Section 123 is preferably padded and transfers the bag'sweight to the user. Section 124 is threaded through or attached tosection 123. Section 124 may either be attached to bag 100 at second end109, connected to a strap actuator 110, or pass through the bag'sexterior surface into the bag interior through opening 111. In thecurrently preferred embodiment, only one section of strap 107 willconnect to the strap actuator 110. In embodiments having a unibody strap107 (i.e., where strap only has one continuous section), strap 107attaches to bag 100 b or strap actuator 110 at ends 108 and end 109 orenters bag interior at opening 111. In embodiments where strap 107 orsection 123 is attached directly to bag 100 b, strap 107, or section 124at end 109, attaches to strap actuator 110. Strap actuator 110 may belocated on the bag exterior surface or within the bag's interior.

It is within the scope of the present invention for bag 100 to have morethan one strap 107. Typically, additional strap or straps 107 will beidentical, and also be assisted; however, it is possible to havecommonly known conventional manual straps in an embodiment with one ormore assisted straps 107 or one or more assisted openings 101.

Strap actuator 110 provides the motive force to loosen or tighten strap107, often by physically moving part of strap 107 through the actuator.Strap actuator 110 may act directly on strap 107, section 123, orsection 124, depending on the embodiment. Strap actuator 110 may be anysuitable solution as known in the art. In one embodiment, the bagcomprises a winding assembly connected to the bag 100, the strapactuator 110, and the end of the strap 107 or a section thereof. Thestrap actuator 110 may then provide the motive force to rotate thewinding assembly, causing the strap 107 to be wound around the windingassembly. Reversing the strap actuator 110 causes the strap 107 to beunwound from the winding assembly.

In another embodiment, strap actuator 110 is a worm gear actuatorlocated within compartment 113, with section 124 being threaded throughthe strap actuator 110 such that the worm gear's teeth grip section 124.Activation and subsequent rotation of worm gear strap actuator 110translates the actuator's force to section 124, section 124 is pulledinto compartment 113 and therefore strap 107 is tightened. Reversing theworm gear strap actuator 110 results in section 124 being moved out ofcompartment 113 and loosening of strap 107.

In some embodiments, strap actuator 110 is combined with actuator 103.In the currently preferred embodiment strap actuator 110 is a separatecomponent from actuator 103. It is within the scope of the presentdisclosure for actuator 103 and strap actuator 110 to be identical butseparate.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure to activate strapactuator 110 by one of several solutions. In one embodiment, a sensor125 enables a cue to be recognized by controller 122. Sensor 125 isconnected to controller 122 and detects a strain force (e.g., sensor 125is a load cell-based sensor) placed on strap 107 and sends a signal tocontroller 122 to activate strap actuator 110. In another embodiment, abag 100 has two straps 107, each with a sensor 125; when strap sensorsare pulled into proximity of each other, the sensors 125 send a signalto the controller to activate strap actuators 110. In anotherembodiment, a bag 100 may have a strap activator 126 connected either tothe controller 122 or directly to the strap actuator 110. Pressing ofthe strap activator 126 results in activation of strap actuator 110,either directly, or via the interconnected controller 122. In someembodiments, placing a load onto strap 107, as sensed by a strap sensor125 provides the cue to activate strap actuator 110 (again, eitherdirectly, or through controller 122) and removal of the sensed loadprovides the cue to activate strap actuator 110 in the reversedirection.

One example method of use of assisted strap bag 100 b having aload-based sensor 125, located either on the strap 107 or bag face S1,is presented presently. Bag 100 b is resting unworn, with strap 107 in atight, storage state. A user picks up bag 100 b by strap 107. Strapsensor 125 detects the applied force of the user picking up bag 100 bvia strap 107 and activates the strap actuator 110 to loosen strap 107.The user places bag 100 b onto their back, with the bag's weight restingon the user's body. Sensor 125 detects the transferred load andactivates strap actuator 110 to tighten strap 107, placing bag 100 b ina secure state for use and user movement. Bag 100 b may be removed bythe user lifting the bag's weight off the user's body. Removal of theload from strap 107 is detected by strap sensor 125, and strap sensor125 activates strap actuator 110 to loosen strap 107.

It is within the scope of this invention for bag 100 to have additionalstraps, either additional assisted straps 107, or conventional straps asknown in the art. Some embodiments have a conventional top strap 128, aconventional side strap 129. A conventional hip strap may also beincluded. Furthermore, any of these additional straps may be assistedstraps 107 as described elsewhere herein.

Electronics

The present disclosure provides for a digital controlling solution,referred herein as the controller 122. Controller 122 may be anysuitable solution as known in the art. In one embodiment the controller122 is a single board computer. Controller 122 may be connected to anyand all of the actuators 103 and 110, sensor 125, power source 120,charger 121, and activation mechanism 106. In some embodiments,controller 122 acts as a portable server with a thin client to a user'smobile device. In some embodiments, controller 122 accepts and savesinformation from the user, often by way of a connected mobile device.For example, activation preferences may be saved, e.g., type or degreeof trigger for actuator 103 or strap actuator 110 activation as well asdegree of tightness of strap 107 when worn.

The controller 122 is configured to detect signals from sensor 125 andto activate actuators 103 and 110. In embodiments with more than onestrap actuator 110 attached to a single strap 107, controller 122typically activates both strap actuators 110 together. However, it iswithin the scope of the present disclosure to activate one strapactuator 110 connected to a strap 107, and not a second strap actuator110 connected to the same strap 107. In some embodiments the digitalcontroller 122 may consist of a central processing unit (cpu), randomaccess memory (RAM), long-term memory storage, and optional analog todigital converters. In one embodiment the controller 122 comprises aRaspberry Pi computer coupled to an additional analog to digitalconverter board and long-term memory. In many embodiments, thecontroller consists of one or more circuit boards, which may include amicrocontroller circuit board (commonly referred to as amicrocontroller), one or more power management boards, and one or moredistribution boards. In some embodiments, all of the circuit boards maybe centralized onto one circuit board, referred to as the integratedcircuit.

In some embodiments, a communications mechanism 130 is interconnectedwith controller 122 and enables a user to interface with controller 122via a graphical user interface, preferably through a second digitaldevice, for example a mobile phone or computer. In the currentlypreferred embodiment, communications mechanism 130 is a Bluetooth modem,but it may be any suitable solutions as known in the art, includingWi-Fi, induction wireless, infrared wireless, ZigBee, and the like.

The present disclosure provides a power source 120 solution thatprovides electrical energy to certain components of the bag 100. Often,power source 120 is connected to the controller 122, sensor 125, andactuator 103. Power source 120 may be any suitable solution as known inthe art. In the currently preferred embodiment, power source 120 is a 12V battery or battery pack, preferably a rechargeable battery,rechargeable by any means, including standard USB connections. In otherembodiments, power source 120 is a generator that produces electricityfrom the movement of bag 100 and user.

Bag 100 preferably has a charging solution, referred herein as thecharger 121, which is connected to at least the power source 120 and isconfigured to provide electricity and re-charge power source 120 fromanother supply of electricity (e.g., a wall socket). Charger 121 may beany suitable solution as known in the art. In the currently preferredembodiment, charger 121 is a wireless induction charger located inside acompartment of bag 100. In one embodiment, charger 121 adheres to the Qiinduction charging standard, and has a charging surface incorporated(e.g., sewn) into the exterior surface of bag 100. Charger 121 thencouples to an external charging pad 127 via induction charging,typically when bag 100 is resting on charging pad 127. The Qi chargingstandard is known in the art and the Power Class 0 specification version1.2.3 from February 2017 is incorporated in its entirety by referenceherein. In other embodiments, charger 121 is a conductive charger alsogenerally known in the art, with charger 121 on the exterior surface ofbag 100; and charger 121 and external charging pad 127 having matchingmetal to metal connectors to enable power transfer. When bag 100 havinga conductive charger 121 is placed on charging pad 127, the pad detectsthe bag's placement, power transfer begins to recharge power source 120.In still further embodiments, the charger 121 is a wired connection andplugs into a power supply; for example, a wall socket.

In some embodiments, the above electronic components are in a separateelectronics compartment 119, designed specifically to hold thesecomponents and separate them from the main interior 115. In oneembodiment, interior 115 has a flat bottom interior surface 114 andunderneath is an electronics compartment 119 with a slopped bottomformed by a portion of the exterior surface 112. Electronics compartmentthen holds the actuators 103 and 110, controller 122, power source 120and charger 121. Opening 111 then on an exterior surface, typically onbag face S2, providing access to strap actuator 110 for strap 107.

Sensors 125

The present disclosure provides for one or more sensors 125 to detect acue (e.g., a force) from a user, such that the cue may be used toactivate the assistance of bag 100. In embodiments with an assistedstrap 107, a sensor 125 may be provided to determine when toautomatically loosen or tighten strap 107. In embodiments with anassisted opening 101, a sensor 125 may be provided to determine when toautomatically open or close opening 101. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure may have more than one sensor; for example, a first sensor125 a is connected to controller 122 by means of a connection (e.g., awire) 134, and are configured to detect a cue to open or close opening101 and a second sensor 125 b is also connected to controller 122 andconfigured to detect a cue (typically a different cue) to tighten orloosen strap 107. In addition, embodiments that have more than one strap107 may have more than one sensor 125. In these embodiments, there istypically one sensor 125 per strap 107, enabling bag 100 b andcontroller 122 to detect and discern cues involving one or two straps;for example, when one vs two straps are being worn by a user.

Sensor 125 may be any suitable solution as known in the art. Inembodiments with more than one sensor 125, each sensor may be adifferent type of sensor (e.g., one strain gauge, one tension sensor,and one load-cell). In some embodiments, the sensor 125 is a straingauge connected to the controller [#] by means of a connection 134 and aWheatstone bridge circuit 135. The sensors 125 may be placed on orinside bag 100 at any suitable location. In one embodiment, a sensor 125is located at strap end 108 and detects shoulder pressure when bag 100is worn on a user's back and shoulders; thereby transferring a load frombag to user. In some embodiments a sensor 125 is a pressure pad having anumber of piezoresistive elements that detect when a force is applied tothe pad. Pressure pad sensors 125 may be used in assisted strap 107 aswell as assisted openings 101 to register user cues for activation ofeither mechanism. In some embodiments, sensor 125 may be a magnet andhall-effect sensor, in others a reed-switch, in still others alimit-switch.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Assisted Opening Bag 100 a

One example of an assisted opening bag 100 a having an assisted opening101 and an activation mechanism 106 is presented presently. Bag 100 a,as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, and 2A-2C comprises exterior surfaces, twosides, a bag face S1 configured to be proximate to a user's back whenthe bag is worn and a bag face S2 configured to be facing away from theuser when the bag is worn. The bag 100 a also has two straps on bag faceS1, a top strap 128, an assisted opening 101 having surface 104 a andsurface 104 b, an actuator 103 and an activation mechanism 106 connectedto the actuator.

When bag 100 a is in a closed state, surfaces 104 a and 104 b are incontact or close proximity. To place the bag 100 a into an open state,the user will press activation mechanism 106, activating it, which inturn activates actuator 103. Actuator 103 causes car 102 to move awayfrom bag face S1, pulling the attached surface 104 a with it, andcreating an opening into the interior 115 of bag 100 a, placing the bag100 a into the opened state. When the user no longer needs access to theinterior 115, they again press the activation mechanism 106, whichactivates actuator 103 in the reverse direction, moving car 102 andattached surface 104 a back towards bag face S1 and in contact or inclose proximity to surface 104 b. This action closes and removes theopening into the interior 115, placing bag 100 a back into the closedstate.

Example 2: Assisted Strap Bag 100 b

Presently, a one method of use of an embodiment of the presentdisclosure will be presented. Bag 100 b with two assisted straps 107 isillustrated in at least FIGS. 1B and 4A-4B. Bag 100 b has two straps,each strap 107 having a top section 123 and a bottom section 124. Eachstrap top section 123 is attached at a first end 108 to bag 100 b andeach strap bottom section 124 connects to a strap reel actuator and wormgear motor 110 which in turn is connected to a and motor controller 146.Each strap is associated with two sensors 125, for a total of 4 sensorson bag 100 b at each first end 108 (only two of which are visible inFIG. 4A). Each sensor 125 is connected to an Arduino controller 144 bymeans of a Wheatstone bridge circuit 135 wire path connection 134, andamplifier 143 (e.g., a load cell amplifier HX711, commercially availablefrom SparkFun). The Arduino controller 144 is also connected to the wormgear motor 110 by means of an encoder 145, a motor controller 146, and apower source 120. The power source 120 is connected to the motorcontroller 146 and the charger 121. In this embodiment, the encoder 145enables the Arduino controller 144 to know what position the motor 110and therefore determine the state of the strap (e.g., length).

Before use, bag 100 b is in a storage mode, with both straps 107 fullyconstricted (i.e., tightened) to face S1 of bag 100 b. This storage modefurther enables bag 100 b to have no exposed or dangling straps that maypresent a hazard or inconvenience when not being used. When not in usefor long periods of time, a user may wish to place bag 100 b on acharging pad 127 to recharge its power source 120. A user may provide acue to remove bag 100 b from storage mode, for example, by squeezingboth straps towards each other. This action may be registered by twosensors, one on each strap 107 and the interconnected controller 122activates both strap actuators 110 to loosen both straps. Anotherexample user cue includes tapping a pressure pad sensor 125, whichcauses the interconnected controller 122 to activate the two strapactuators. A third example is a user picking up bag 100 b by a strap107, the strain, load, or tension placed on the strap by the act ofpicking the bag off the surface it was previously resting on, asmeasured by one or more sensors 125, provides the cue to activate theactuators. In this third example, bag 100 b may have a top strap (i.e.,a handle) 128 and picking bag 100 b up by this top strap 128 does notactivate strap actuators 110, enabling the bag to be moved withoutactivating the assisted straps. Actuators adjust the straps, moving theexcess strap 107 spooled inside compartment 113 out through opening 111and available for easily donning the bag 100 b.

Once the user places bag 100 b onto their body, most often on the user'sback, the bag's weight rests on the user. Sensors 125 detect thistransfer of weight to the user and the interconnected controller 122instructs strap actuators 110 to constrict straps 107, making each straptight. Typically, the user has selected a pre-set tightness amount thatthey find comfortable while wearing bag 100 b and straps are constrictedto this amount by the controller 122 activating the strap actuators 110.The bag 100 b is now in wear mode and the user may then wear the bagsecurely without any manual tightening of straps 107. When the user isdone wearing bag 100 b, another cue is given to loosen straps 107. Thecue may be the same cue given to take bag 100 b out of storage mode ormay be a different cue. In one example, the activation cue is therepeated, squeezing of both straps 107 towards each other. In anotherexample, the cue is a button connected to the controller 122. In a thirdexample, the user slides one strap 107 off of their body, the sensor 125in that doffed strap registers the removal of tension, while theremaining donned (i.e., worn) strap 107 and its associated sensor 125registers the presence of tension; controller 122 may be programmed toregister the removal of a single strap as the removal cue. In all ofthese cases, controller 122 determines that sensors 125 have detectedthe proper cue and activates strap actuators 110 to loosen straps 107,placing the bag in removal mode. The loosened straps may be easily takenoff the user's body. In some uses, bag 100 b may automatically re-enterone of storage mode or wear mode after a period of time in removal mode.In other uses, a cue may be required to enter a new mode. The transitionbetween removal mode and wearing or storage modes are typicallyprogrammable by a user, often by a mobile device linked to controller122 (e.g., by a smart phone app).

An additional feature of use for bag 100 b is that the activation cuesmay be programmable. For example, in some embodiments, the removal cuemay be the removal of tension or pressure from sensors 125 while bag 100b is in wear mode. The time period for this removal cue may be set bythe user, typically in seconds. For example, a user may wish to runwhile wearing bag 100 b, causing the bag to move off the user's bodyduring running. Setting a removal cue time longer than a typical runningstride prevents the controller 122 from triggering the removal cueduring running. In addition, a running mode may be programmable by theuser, with an additional cue (i.e., pressing a button or the cadence ofon-off tension from sensor 125 experienced while running) that has adifferent strap 107 tightness programmed (i.e., tighter than normal wearmode).

Features disclosed herein may further be combined from differentembodiments. For example, a bag 100 may have both an assisted opening101 and an assisted strap 107 with an associated load sensor 125. Whensuch bag 100 is in storage mode with the opening 101 in its open state,the act of picking up bag 100 (and thereby placing a load on strap 107measured by a sensor 125), an interconnected controller 122 may beprogrammed to register this load and to activate actuator 103 toautomatically close opening 101. Furthermore, the controller 122 may beprogrammed to simultaneously place the bag 100 into donning mode,automatically extending the one or more straps 107 for a user to put thebag 100 onto their person (e.g., back).

Although specific features of the present invention are shown in somedrawings and not in others, this is for convenience only, as eachfeature may be combined with any or all of the other features inaccordance with the invention. While there have been shown, described,and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as appliedto a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that variousomissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of thedevices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinationsof those elements and/or steps that perform substantially the samefunction, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results bewithin the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from onedescribed embodiment to another are also fully intended andcontemplated. It is also to be understood that the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual innature.

It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by thescope of the claims appended hereto. Other embodiments will occur tothose skilled in the art and are within the following claims.

1. A bag comprising: an exterior surface an assisted opening comprising:a first and a second surface; a car connected to said first surface; andan interior enclosed by said exterior surface and said assisted opening;an actuator connected to said car; wherein said actuator is configuredto adjust said car to create an opening between said first and saidsecond surfaces.
 2. The bag of claim 1 wherein said actuator is locatedwithin said interior.
 3. The bag of claim 1 wherein said first surfaceis located approximately parallel to said second surface.
 4. The bag ofclaim 1 further comprising an activation mechanism connected to saidactuator and configured to reversibly activate said actuator.
 5. The bagof claim 1 wherein said car reversibly pulls said first surface awayfrom said second surface and wherein said first surface is configured tofold upon itself.
 6. The bag of claim 1 further comprising a compartmentwithin said interior; and wherein said actuator is disposed within saidcompartment.
 7. A method of closing a bag, comprising the steps of: (a)providing the bag of claim 1; (b) activating said actuator; and (c)creating an opening between said first and said second surface byadjusting said first surface, with said car.
 8. The method of claim 7wherein said bag further comprises an activation mechanism connected tosaid actuator; and wherein said actuator activation is performed by saidactivation mechanism.
 9. The method of claim 7 further comprising thesteps of (e) reversing said actuator; and (f) eliminating said openingby adjusting said first surface with said actuator and said car.
 10. Anassisted bag, comprising: an exterior surface enclosing an interior; anactuator; and a strap having a first end connected to said actuator;wherein said actuator is configured to adjust said strap.
 11. The bag ofclaim 10 wherein said exterior surface further comprises an opening,said actuator is disposed within said interior and said strap first endpasses through said opening.
 12. The bag of claim 10 further comprisinga controller connected to said actuator.
 13. The bag of claim 12 furthercomprising a sensor connected to said controller and configured toproduce sensor information relating to a force placed on the sensor. 14.The bag of claim 13 wherein said controller is configured to activatesaid actuator in response to said sensor information.
 15. A method ofadjusting a bag, comprising the steps of: (a) providing the bag of claim10; (b) moving said strap past said actuator in a first direction. 16.The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of (c) moving saidstrap past said actuator in a second, reverse direction.
 17. The methodof claim 15 wherein said bag further comprises a controller and a sensorinformationally connected to said controller; wherein said sensor isconfigured to produce sensor information relating to a force on thesensor; and wherein said controller is connected to said actuator and isconfigured to activate said actuator in response to said sensorinformation.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of(d) producing sensor information with said sensor in response to auser-initiated cue; and (e) activating said actuator with saidcontroller in response to said sensor information; wherein steps (d) and(e) occur before step (b).
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprisingthe steps of (f) producing additional sensor information with saidsensor in response to a second user-initiated cue; (g) activating saidactuator with said controller in response to said additional sensorinformation and (h) moving said strap through said actuator in a second,reverse direction; wherein steps (f) and (g) occur before step (h). 20.The method of claim 15 wherein said second end is connected to saidexterior surface or to a second actuator.